Hearing that Claire’s filed for bankruptcy made many a former mall rat melancholy. For more than 50 years, Claire’s has been the go-to destination for teenage and tween girls seeking the perfect accessories. From earrings to headbands to sparkly lip gloss, Claire’s has it all. Sadly, on August 6, the chain confirmed Chapter 11 bankruptcy filings and store closings.
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“This decision is difficult, but a necessary one. Increased competition, consumer spending trends and the ongoing shift away from brick-and-mortar retail, in combination with our current debt obligations and macroeconomic factors, necessitate this course of action for Claire’s and its stakeholders,” Chris Cramer, CEO of Claire’s, said in a release. “We remain in active discussions with potential strategic and financial partners and are committed to completing our review of strategic alternatives.”
Most Claire’s Stores Are Not Closing
According to its website, Claire’s operates 2,750 stores in 17 countries. As of now, most will remain open, but per USA Today, the company plans to close 18 locations under the Claire’s and Icing names.
13 Claire’s Stores Will Close
Eastdale Mall, Montgomery, Alabama
Newpark Mall, Newark, California
Ford City Mall, Chicago
Market Street, Lynnfield, Massachusetts
Bay City Town Center, Bay City, Michigan
Northtown Mall, Blaine, Minnesota
Livingston Mall, Livingston, New Jersey
Uniontown Mall, Uniontown, Pennsylvania
Shops at Highland Village, Highland Village, Texas
Pinnacle at Turkey Creek, Knoxville, Tennessee
Junction Commons, Park City, Utah
Provo Town Center, Provo, Utah
Woodinville Plaza, Woodinville, Washington
Five Icing Stores Will Close
Galleria at Tyler, Riverside, California
Woodland Mall, Grand Rapids, Michigan
Greece Ridge, Rochester, New York
Mall of Abilene, Abilene, Texas
University Orem, Orem, Utah
People shared quotes from their staff group chat after learning about Claire’s bankruptcy. It’s as if we all share the same memories.
“Does anyone else STILL have a drawer completely dedicated to Claire’s neon colored hair clip extensions, tinsel and wigs? Asking for a friend…,” someone wrote.
“The girls have had nothing to live for since Claire’s took the One Direction shelf down,” another person joked.
This story’s featured image is by Don and Melinda Crawford/UCG/Universal Images Group via Getty Images.
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